‘I wouldn’t have it any other way’: Fed rep on spinning plates as branch marks International Women’s Day

6 March 2026

For Federation workplace representative Charlie Herod, International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March) represents the perfect opportunity to celebrate the unique strength of female officers in policing.

As a mother-of-three (Jack 12, Elsie 9 and Edie, 6), long-time business owner and proud part of Hertfordshire Constabulary for over two decades, PC Charlie is no stranger to being relied upon and delivering when it matters.

Having joined the Force in 2004, she can boast vast experience both across the frontline and behind the scenes in the organisation – all earned while growing and providing for a young family.

The latest addition to her wide array of responsibilities came in 2023, when she decided she had something to give to supporting her work colleagues and found enough room in a crowded headspace to become a Fed rep.

 

Fed rep Charlie Herod and her three kids

 

 The 40-year-old admits her ‘mental load is heavy’ with ‘always something to think about’, but says she wouldn’t have her life any other way.

“When I’m really busy, I’ll tell people in the office that I come to work for a break from the rest of it all,” Charlie laughed.

“Although it’s said as a joke, there’s a level of truth in it, which I like – my relationship with my job has changed, but I’m still loving it after 22 years. I think my Federation role has only added to that, too, because it just gives my work life even more purpose.

“It also gives a good balance to my Force position, because it enables me to stay close to the ground with a lot of frontline matters while I’m based in the control room. So, while it added more to my plate, it’s been a very fulfilling experience so far.”

Domestic violence

Currently, Charlie works at Force headquarters in its Vulnerability Hub, coordinating rapid responses to domestic violence victims in crisis via video call. Before this, she performed a similar safeguarding role in the Exploitation Hub, where she dealt with high-risk cases of child exploitation.

In recent years, she has taken a step back from the frontline, closing a career chapter which included a 13-year stint on her very first posting on response in Watford.

“There are parts of response I miss, but the reality was that working shifts just wasn’t right for me anymore, plus, I love what I do now.

“I’ve always had a passion for safeguarding, and this kind of work – particularly my previous role – has taken on another level of meaning for me being a mum. I’m also a governor at my kids’ school, so some of the knowledge I’ve been able to take into that area of my life has been ideal.”

 

PC Charlie Herod enjoys a coffee break

 

Nevertheless, Charlie pointed out that while all officers are tested like in no other profession, policing holds specific challenges which are often faced by its women – some of which may well be on the horizon for her.

Later this year, she is hoping to realise a long-term ambition to step up in rank to sergeant. Scheduled for October, a set of gruelling examinations, however, may be the simpler part of the process for her.

“The expectation is that with promotion comes a move back to an operational role, and as such, shift work. That would put an end the good system my husband and I have worked out to basically be mum and dad. All three of our kids play football, with our eldest two in academies, which demands a lot of training and travel time,” explained Charlie, whose children are aged 12, nine and six.

“I’m also the parent who will take charge of the kids’ school and life admin – as many mums do, I just took natural ownership of being that main caregiver, which can then clash with your career.

“So, that’s the obstacle I have coming my way when my sergeant exams roll around.

Promoted

“I’ve probably done my career a bit backwards, really, in the sense that when I’d reached a position to be promoted, I already had kids. But I wouldn’t change that for a second.”

Besides, for any tension Charlie may feel between her professional and personal domains, she says nothing could take away her ability – or that of any female officer – to achieve in the Force.

“We’re women, and we will always find a way to do ourselves proud.

“I’m certainly proud of the career I’ve made so far – I’ve earnt a Chief Constable’s Commendation, stood strong in the face of danger, and impacted people’s lives when they’ve needed it most.

“Even away from my job, I’ve got big plans as a Fed rep, where I’ve so far mainly focused on welfare but intend to train in misconduct. I’ll keep working at my small business as a long-term retirement plan.

“And that’s the thing about women in policing – we carry a lot, both in and out of uniform, but time and again we show just how strong we are and how much we’re capable of achieving.”

READ MORE: Government urged to prove its support for police with pay restoration.